5 Kitchen Countertop Trends Rapidly Falling Out Of Favor, Designers Say

Speckled Granite Countertops: The 90s Relic That Won’t Return

Walk into any 90s kitchen and you’ll likely spot those familiar dark, speckled granite countertops that once screamed luxury. While granite was a longstanding popular option for homeowners in the ’90s and early 2000s, it definitely gives a more dated look in kitchens today – specifically the darker, speckled slabs. Today’s homeowners cringe at these busy patterns that clash with modern minimalist aesthetics.

Hands down, the most dated granite countertop styles are those that are dramatically dark and speckled, whether in brown or grayscale patterns. It was the quintessential countertop choice of the 1990s. Real estate agents now actively advise against these noisy patterns, especially if resale value matters to you. The shift toward cleaner, more sophisticated looks has left these speckled surfaces feeling completely outdated.

Artificial Quartz with Unnatural Veining: Fake Stone Falls Flat

In this instance, quartz countertops have fallen out of favor because they can create harmful silica dust during manufacturing. Man-made quartz countertops are finally being given the heave-ho in favor of natural marbles and quartzites with bold veining and color. The problem isn’t quartz itself, but rather the overly artificial-looking versions that scream “fake” from across the room.

Quartz has long been celebrated for its stain resistance, durability, and affordability. However, not all quartz styles are aging gracefully. The versions with oversized, unnatural-looking veins are losing popularity, as they tend to look artificial rather than mimicking authentic stone. Smart homeowners now choose quartz slabs that closely resemble natural stone with organic movement and subtle imperfections.

Thick Slabs: When Too Much Material Becomes Too Much

In early 2024, everyone had one thought on their mind – are thick countertops the next big kitchen design trend? But, fast-forward to 2025, and those thick slabs might end up making your kitchen look more dated than stylish. While thick countertops were a favored trend in recent years, they’re quickly losing their appeal as we approach 2025.

Interior designers are also beginning to lean away from thick countertops, instead favoring slimmer styles to give kitchens a sleeker, more modern look. Thick countertops are also losing their relevance due to their lack of practicality. People are seeing the practical value of slim countertops, as they require less material, which means less waste and a lower environmental impact. The sustainability movement has made these chunky surfaces feel wasteful and excessive.

Waterfall Edges: From Stunning Statement to Overdone Cliché

A waterfall edge on a kitchen island can feel like the design equivalent of placing three pendant lights overhead – something done out of habit rather than creativity. Waterfall countertops are definitive in their look, and are “common” for a reason. What once felt fresh and modern now reads as predictable and overdone in many design circles.

Even the once-trendy waterfall edge, where the countertop material flows seamlessly down to the floor, is losing favor. With many homeowners extending countertops up the backsplash, using them as both waterfall and wall treatment can feel excessive. While waterfall edge countertops may keep busy families from dinging up their island woodwork, Spicher says they also obscure places for storage and overwhelm the more natural elements in the room. Look for a return to the more traditional countertop geometry.

High-Gloss Polished Finishes: When Shine Shows Everything

The days of superslick, high-gloss countertops that show every fingerprint are waning. Instead, designers are embracing surfaces with tactile appeal. These mirror-like surfaces that once symbolized luxury now feel impractical and high-maintenance for busy households.

The problem with glossy finishes extends beyond just aesthetics – they’re fingerprint magnets and water spot collectors. Modern families want surfaces that look good without constant polishing and wiping. Opt for honed or leathered finishes for a low-maintenance, organic look that elevates the kitchen’s design. These textured alternatives offer sophistication without the daily upkeep hassle.

Solid Wood Countertops: Natural Beauty with Practical Problems

This year, wood kitchen cabinets are having a revival, bringing a tactile quality and a warm finish to kitchens of every size and style. But as they continue to prove popular, countertops in the same material are losing their appeal. Wood is still very much enjoying a resurgence in kitchen cabinetry.

The issue isn’t wood’s beauty – it’s the maintenance nightmare. Wood countertops require regular sealing, careful cleaning with special products, and constant vigilance against water damage. Unlike wood cabinetry, countertops face daily exposure to spills, heat, and moisture. Most homeowners find the upkeep overwhelming, especially when durable alternatives like quartzite offer similar warmth with fraction of the maintenance.

Synthetic Materials Like Corian: Budget Options That Look Budget

Materials like Corian are falling out of favor – partly due to sustainability concerns, and also because they don’t hold up well to heat and scratches. These once-popular budget alternatives promised affordability but delivered a distinctly artificial appearance that modern homeowners reject.

Budget-friendly options like Corian and laminate once provided an affordable solution for homeowners. However, these synthetic surfaces don’t stand up well to heat, scratches, or long-term use. Designers such as Fiona Guinit and Alex Maine point out that they also lack the natural look and feel that homeowners increasingly desire. Today’s design-savvy consumers can spot fake materials instantly and prefer authentic alternatives.

All-White Kitchen Schemes: Clean But Cold and Impersonal

White remains a popular choice in many kitchens for its timeless and clean appeal. However, choosing an all-white theme for your kitchen, down to the countertops, floors, and appliances, is a trend that has definitely fallen out of favor. All-white motifs are one of the dated kitchen trends that HGTV stars are over seeing in homes.

While white countertops aren’t exactly “out” (classic choices rarely are), things are definitely warming up on the color front. We’re seeing countertops with richer, more inviting tones – creamy neutrals, sandy beiges, and even hints of terracotta. This shift mirrors the broader move away from the clinical, all-white aesthetic that dominated the 2010s. Homeowners now crave warmth and personality over sterile perfection.

Ornate Edges and Decorative Profiles: Fancy Details That Feel Fussy

Edge style is often overlooked until the installation phase, but it can dramatically influence the overall aesthetic. Rounded bullnose or decorative ogee edges, once popular, now feel dated and overly ornate. Even the once-trendy waterfall edge, where the countertop material flows seamlessly down to the floor, is losing favor.

These elaborate edge treatments that once showed craftsmanship now read as unnecessarily complicated in today’s streamlined aesthetic. Stick with sleek, straight edges or subtly rounded corners for a clean, modern appearance. Simple profiles feel more sophisticated and timeless than their decorative predecessors.

Ceramic Tile Countertops: Grout Lines Equal Maintenance Nightmares

Another outdated material is ceramic tile, Kaercher says, as the grout lines aren’t practical for everyday use and upkeep. While tile backsplashes remain popular, tile countertops create cleaning challenges that modern homeowners won’t tolerate.

The problem lies in those inevitable grout lines that trap grease, stains, and bacteria. Even with regular cleaning, grout discolors over time, making countertops look perpetually dirty. Tiled backsplashes can be a beautiful and contemporary statement choice, or they can stand out for being the most outdated feature in your kitchen. Tile backsplashes with ornate contrasting patterns and decorative accent tiles are practically synonymous with the 1970s and 1980s. Busy kitchen decor has long been out of style, and that applies to busy backsplash tiles as well.

Laminate Formica: The Ultimate Kitchen Dating Tool

Let’s face it, no kitchen trend is more passé than Formica countertops. Formica is a type of laminate that became all the rage in the 1950s. Today, laminate countertops are a sign of a dated kitchen. Although it’s more affordable than the alternatives, The Property Brothers warn to avoid it as it could set your kitchen back a few decades.

Nothing screams outdated kitchen quite like laminate countertops, regardless of pattern or color. Laminates, which are plastic-coated synthetic materials, have been widely used for decades and are now out of fashion. Even the highest-quality laminates can’t escape their budget reputation, making them a poor choice for homeowners seeking lasting value and style.

Mixed Messages: When Trends Collide Awkwardly

The biggest mistake many homeowners make isn’t choosing one bad trend – it’s combining multiple trending elements that clash rather than complement. Think waterfall edges with thick slabs, all-white schemes with high-gloss finishes, or ornate edges on synthetic materials. These combinations create visual chaos rather than cohesive design.

Countertop trends are shifting toward authentic, natural-looking surfaces that balance practicality with beauty. While busy granite, glossy finishes, ornate edges, and synthetic options fade into the background, materials like soapstone, porcelain, and refined granite or quartz slabs are taking center stage. The key lies in choosing one statement element and keeping everything else simple and timeless. Smart homeowners focus on quality materials with clean lines that won’t feel dated in five years.